The essential startup chain is Shift+B for battery, Ctrl+B for AC generator on larger ships, and Shift+E for engines. Camera, bridge view, navigation view, waypoint turning, and Controller/HOTAS bindings should be checked in-game before treating any unverified key as fixed.
Bridge quick reference
These current official shortcuts cover startup and core bridge equipment.
| System | Default key | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Battery / DC bus | Shift + B | Always first |
| AC generator / bus | Ctrl + B | Large ships may require it |
| Engines | Shift + E | After power |
| GPS / AIS | Shift + G | ENIS display |
| Radar | Shift + R | Only where fitted |
| Sonar | U | Echo sounder |
| VHF radio | Shift + C | Radio menu |
| Running lights | L | Navigation lights |
Camera Controls and Bridge View
Treat view commands as part of the control setup, not a separate comfort setting. Confirm that the camera can return to a readable Bridge View before starting a tutorial, and use the clickable cockpit as a fallback when a hardware binding is uncertain.
Navigation View and Waypoint Turning
After a waypoint turn, compare the Navigation View, bridge instruments, and outside view before adding more rudder or throttle. If the heading or camera orientation feels wrong, slow down, re-center the view, and confirm the next waypoint before changing course again.
Controller/HOTAS setup
Controller/HOTAS profiles should be tested with one active device first. Bind steering, throttle, view commands, and thrusters separately, verify neutral positions, then reconnect pedals, throttles, wheels, or spare gamepads one at a time.
When a binding behaves twice
A stale or duplicated axis can keep sending input. Disconnect unused devices, restart the game, and test one profile with one device before rebuilding a multi-device setup.